U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander proposal would designate long-term funding for HBCUs

Tennessee's historically black colleges and universities could be in line for a revamp in how they are funded under newly introduced federal legislation.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander's proposal is one of several of a bipartisan package of bills that would make changes for minority-serving colleges across the country. His proposal would designate $255 million in permanent and mandatory funds each year for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.

“This package of bills will make it easier for millions of students to get a college education by simplifying the Federal Application for Student Aid, providing Pell grants to parole-eligible prisoners, allowing Pell grants to be used for short-term programs, and increasing the maximum Pell grant award,” said Alexander in a statement.

The package of bills was drafted by 20 Democrat and 15 Republicans and creates would create the Student Aid Improvement Act of 2019.

Other changes include the simplification of financial aid letters and changes to the payback of loans to ensure the proposal will have funds.

The bills are part of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Alexander said the HBCU funding proposal provides a longterm solution and provides an alternative to a flawed House bill.

"This presents Congress with an opportunity to give certainty to HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions and to make it easier for millions of students to receive a college education," he said.

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Reach Jason Gonzales at jagonzales@tennessean.com and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.